Day 4 - Lakshmi

Dear Valued Readers, Patrons, and Friends of the Temple Of Fine Arts.

Hari Om

Today, October 15th, marked the first day of Lakshmi Pooja.


This evening, we witnessed solo performances of two young budding vocalists. They were Selvainthiran and Pravin Raj who each sang 2 songs. They were accompanied on the Veena by Srii Devi and Dipadarishani and on the Mridangam by Suraj Kumar Balusamy.

The next performance was by the Tabla students of TFA. They performed a Qaida in Vilambit Laya Teentaal and recited a few Tukdas in Druth Laya Teentaal. They were accompanied on the Lehra by none other than their Guru, Shri Prakash Kandasamy.









Following this, was the various performances by the different Sitar students. The first group which comprised of Hema Priya, Nivashini and Yogavalli played a Ghat in Bhairav and were accompanied on the Tabla by their Guru, Shri Kumar Karthigesu.


The second group which comprised of Aunty Savithri, Maureen, Nandhini, Balu, Seethalakshmi, Aunty Girija and Suraj Kumar, played 2 Ghats in Raag Yaman Kalyan and Taal Dadra. The first was a Madhya Laya Ghat, while the second one was a Druth Laya Ghat, thus, more upbeat than the first. They played intricate patterns of notes, with tricky pauses in between and were well received by the audience!

The third Sitar performance was a solo by Kala Mangai.
Kala played a Druth Laya Ghat, also set to Yaman Kalyan Raag.
This piece was in Teentaal and ended with a Jhala (fast-paced patterns of notes).



The final Sitar performance was by Prita Nambiar. She played a Dhun (almost like a folk-song) in Raag Mishra Kamaj. These students were all accompanied by Meenalochani Shunmugam on the Tabla.







Following the enchanting tunes and rhythms of the Sitar and Tabla, we were treated to a solo Bharatanatyam offering by Kasturi Somasundram. She performed a composition of our Beloved Swamiji entitled 'Adhi Parashakthi Adukindral'.


Next came the Love Offerings of our Guest Artistes, Shrimathi Geetha Shankaran Lam and Kumari Hemavathi Sivanesan. They performed the classical dance style of Odissi. It began with Magalacharan by
Geetha followed by Sthyai by Hemavathi.






This was followed by an Abhinaya piece which left many awestruck at the way Geetha expressed the emotion of the song. This piece was based on the Ramayana. She first showcased Shringara (Love) followed by Veeram (Valor), Karunyam (Compassion), Hasyam (Laughter), Bhayanakam (Fear), Adbutha (Wonder), Roudram (Anger) and finally Shantam (Peace).

Following that, Hemavathi performed another Abhinaya piece, this time based on Lord Krishna. Entitled Yahi Mathava, it shows Radha feeling hurt and betrayed by the Lord, on seeing him with another Gopi. Hemavathi truly brought out the emotion of the song and left many in tears.

The finale was Moksha, which concluded with a prayer.

TFA Penang wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to these marvelous artistes for coming and part-taking in these festivities.

Tomorrow, October the 16th, we will feature more budding talents of Vocal and Veena. Our guest artistes tomorrow are Kasturi and Thachayini, two sisters who are accomplished Kuchipudi dancers.

Do join us tomorrow! Till then, Hari Om.

Day 3- Durga

Dear Valued Readers, Patrons, and Friends of the Temple Of Fine Arts.

Yesterday, October14th was the third day of Navarathri. As usual all the prayers went on yesterday.

We were spiritually uplifted by the performances. We were blessed to have Sashidaran here with us to perform his violin recital. Besides that, he also accompanied Kharthik Chakravarthy with his five vocal recitals. Kharthik started with a Varnam , then Tatvaramaniya Taramma followed by Shri Kathimathim,Shri Jagadishwari Dhurga and last but not least Thillana.The Mridagam ensemble was performed very well. Other students also offered their love offerings in forms of dance and vocal performances.

Today, we are honoured to have Geetha Shankaran Lam and Hemavathi Sivanasen who will be performing a Odissi recital. The love offerings also will consist of our very talented Sitar and Tabla students and not forgetting vocal recitals. We hope you will come join us at 6.15 p.m again today.

Day 2 - Durga

Dear Valued Readers, Patrons and Friends of the Temple of Fine Arts,

Yesterday, October 13th 2007 was the 2nd day of Navarathri. Prayers went on as mentioned in the earlier post (it will be the same format for all of the 9 days).

Throughout the day, Annalakshmi served many customers sumptuous meals for lunch as well as dinner.

It was a very blissful and pleasant evening which was enhanced by the love offerings of the students. They showcased their talents and were very enthusiastic.


Deepa Darishini, a Stage 4 student in Veena, played the Veena and sang at the same time. Her performance marked a historical moment in TFA Penang as this was the first time a student played and sang simultaneously. We were overwhelmed with her splendid performance.

We were also honoured to have 3 students of the Nandikeshwara Dance Academy, under the tutelage of Guru Shri Chandramohan who is a disciple of Padmashri Adyar Lakshman, perform a bharatanatyam repertoire for us. They were Kogilavani Krishnamoorthy, Anthiri Ramachandran and Loshini Vijayakumar. These three talented artistes performed 7 pieces for us.
The repertoire began with a Mallari by Loshini Vijayakumar followed by the famous Shri Chakra Raja by Kogilavani Krishnamoorthy. Next was Shivagama Sundari by Loshini and Anthiri. Then came Valli Kanavan which was a traditional piece performed by Kogilavani Krishnamoorthy. This was followed Nandhi Chol by the whole group and Kuyile by Loshini and last but not least Govinthan Kuzhalosai by the whole group again. The dancers entertained all of us with their graceful, and upbeat steps. We hope they enjoyed performing for us as much as we enjoyed watching them. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the dancers of Nandikeshwara Dance Academy for their beautiful love offering.

The procession

Please come and join us again tonight for the last day of Durga Pooja. Prayers will commence at 6.15pm and the love offerings will begin at 7.15pm.
The love offerings this evening will consist of a Mridangam ensemble by our very own Mridangam talents. We will also be featuring a vocal performance by Shri Karthik Chakravarthy, a Stage 5 carnatic vocal student of TFA.

Our guest artist for this evening is Shashidharan Nair, an accomplished carnatic violinist who is a disciple of the late Shrimathi Valaambikai Rajagopal. On completing his arangetram, Shashi furthered his practice under the tutelage of the world renown Kumari KanyaKumari.

We hope you will join us this evening and experience the essence of this beautiful festival.

Day 1 - Durga

Dear Valued Readers, Patrons and Friends of the Temple of Fine Arts

Yesterday, October 12th 2007 marked the beginning of the Navarathri celebrations at the Temple of Fine Arts. It started off with prayers at 5.30am which concluded with an arathi.
The noon puja commenced at 11.15am with a short prayer, brahmaarpanam and arathi. At 6.30pm, everyone assembled in the main hall for a short prayer, and then proceeded to the stage where the Rangapuja (the offering of prayers to the Goddess of the stage) was held. This was followed by the Aradhana's of music and dance by the students of The Temple of Fine Arts.

We were privileged to have Shri Nandakumar and Shri Vijayakumar of Lunas as our guest artistes for the night. They rendered a number of Carnatic songs, mainly compositions on The Divine Mother.

Following the Aradhana's, Devi was lead in a procession to Annalakshmi where the Maha Arathi

concluded the days festivities.

Here are some snapshots, feast your eyes!

Devi on her palanquin being lead into the main hall.

After the procession, Devi was placed on her oonjal (swing).

The Divine Mother

Thank you for your time and we certainly hope that you will join us in these celebrations tomorrow, and the days to come!

NAVARATHRI 2007 @ TEMPLE OF FINE ARTS, PENANG FRIDAY OCTOBER 12 2007

TIME	FRIDAY 12 OCT
7.00PM	PRAYERS
730PM	VOCAL PRITHIV
	VOCAL S.PETANI
	DANCE MOOSHIKA VAHANA (GRP 1)
	DANCE NATESHA KAUTVAM (GRP 1)
	DANCE SARASWATHI DIPTI&DIVYA
	DANCE THODUDAIYA SEVIYAN S.PETANI
	DANCE ANBU SHIVAKAAMI DAARSHINI.R
8.00PM	VOCAL DIVYA BALAKUMAR
8.30PM	VOCAL RECITAL NANDAKUMAR & VIJAYAKUMAR (LUNAS)

New Intake on Vijayadasami 21 October 2007

Registration of new classes will be on Sunday,21 October 2007 at 7.00pm. Prayers will commence at 7.00pm, we would like all those who want to register for the new classes to participate in the prayers as it would be a special Vidyaarambam ceremony for all new students. After that, new students can proceed to the registration counter to fill in the forms and process their registration.
There will be an orientation cum induction on Saturday 27 October 2007 at 6.30pm. All those who have registered for the new intake will have to come for this induction.

Class Schedule

Bharathanatyam : WEDNESDAY - 7.30pm-8.30pm
SATURDAY- 3.30pm-4.30pm

Sangeetham : SATURDAY- 2.30pm-3.30pm

Veena : SUNDAY - 10.00am-11.00am

Tabla : MONDAY - 4.30pm - 5.30pm

Mridangam : SUNDAY - 12.30pm-1.30pm

Sitar : WEDNESDAY - 4.30pm-5.30pm

Contact us at : 04-2288575

Navarathri Medical Services

Aradhana - offering by Guest Artistes

This years navarathri celebration at the Temple of Fine Arts, Penang, will feature various guest artistes offering their aradhana to the Divine Mother.

This will include prominent artistes from Temple of Fine Arts, Kuala Lumpur,
1. Shankar Kandasamy - Bharathanatyam on 20 October 2007
2. Geetha Shankaran Lam - Odissi on 15 October 2007
3. Kasturi and Thachayani Ramanaidoo - Kuchipudi on 16 October 2007
4. Shashidharan Nair - Violin on 14 October 2007
5. Shreedhar - Flute on 17 October 2007


There will be also a dance recital by students of Shri Chandramohan of the Nandhikeshwara dance Academy on 13 October 2007

Shri M.R. Lenin will present a Vocal Kuthcheri on 18 October 2007, accompanied by Shri Tamarakudy K.R. Vijayakumar.

On 12 October 2007, Shri Nandakumar and Shri Vijayakumar of Lunas, students of the late Shri Sivasubramanaiam will present a vocal performance.

Sadhaka Aradahana -aradhana by senior students

Divya Balakumar has completed the Diploma in Carnatic Music at The Temple of Fine Arts, Penang. Divya had presented a solo vocal performance at Blossoming souls series of concerts on the 1st of July 2007.

As an offering to the divine mother, she will be presenting a small repertoire of selected songs on 12 october 2007, Friday, the 1st day of navarathri.


Kharthik Chakravarthy has also completed the Diploma in Carnatic Music at The Temple of Fine Arts, Penang. he has also presented a solo vocal performance at Blossoming souls series of concerts on the 10th of June 2007. Kharthik will be presenting mainly compositions of Padmashree Lalgudi G.Jayaraman on 14th October 2007.


Uttara Devi Balusamy is a stage 4 student of the Temple of Fine Arts, Penang. She has also presented a solo vocal performance at Blossoming souls series of concerts on the 1st of July 2007. She will be presenting selected songs on Friday 19 October 2007, the 8th day of Navarathri.

Srii Devi Segaran has also completed the Diploma in Carnatic Music at The Temple of Fine Arts, Penang.
She has also presented a solo vocal performance at Blossoming souls series of concerts on June 30 2007.
For this years navarathri offering, Srii Devi will play on the veena and sing as well, simultaneously, in her sadhana to become an accomplished vainika.
Krishna Kannan, the pioneer in the Blossoming souls series of concerts, having presented a solo vocal performance at Blossoming souls series of concerts on the 15th December 2006. He too has completed the Diploma in Carnatic Music at The Temple of Fine Arts, Penang.

This Navarathri, Krishna will also present a short repertoire of songs dedicated to the divine mother on 20 October 2007.

Chitramala Gunasegaran, is another outstanding student who has achieved so much in a short period of time, She is in her 5th stage of learning Bharathanatyam. She has also performed at the Blossoming souls series of concerts at The Temple of Fine Arts, penang on December 17 2006. Chitra will be presenting a composition of Sri Syama Syastri, Pahimam Shri Raja Rajeshwari , in naatai ragam and rupaka thalam , and has set to a varnam format. This will be performed on 14 October 2007.

The Offerings

The celebration starts on 12 october, it starts with the morning prayers at 5.30am, which will conclude at around 8.00am. On the 13th,14th and 20th there will be talks and lecture demonstration on various topics like yoga and other interesting yet spiritual aspects
At 11.30 to 12noon there will be a short afternoon prayer. The evening prayers starts at 7.00pm and will proceed into the cultural love offerings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and then the Mahaarathi will conclude the celebration for the day.

SALUTATIONS to the Divine Mother, Durga, who exists in all beings in the form of intelligence, mercy, beauty, who is the consort of Lord Shiva, who creates, sustains and destroys the universe.

Navarathri is one of the greatest festivals of India, its literal meaning being Nava – Nine & Rathri Night. For nine days, God is worshiped in the form of Mother. Hinduism is the only religion in the world which has emphasised to such an extent the motherhood of God. One's relationship with one's mother is the dearest and the sweetest of all human relations. Hence, it is proper to look upon God as mother.

Durga represents the Divine Mother. She is the energy aspect of the Lord. Without Durga, Shiva has no expression and without Shiva, Durga has no existence. Shiva is the soul of Durga; Durga is identical with Shiva. Lord Shiva is only the silent witness. He is motionless, absolutely changeless. He is not affected by the cosmic play. It is Durga who does everything.

Shakti is the omnipotent power of the Lord, or the Cosmic Energy. The Divine Mother is represented as having ten different weapons in Her hands. She sits on a lion. She keeps up the play of the Lord through the three attributes of Nature, namely, Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. Knowledge, peace, lust, anger, greed, egoism and pride, are all Her forms.

Like the other festivals of India, Navaratri is rich in meaning. At one level, Navaratri signifies the progress of a spiritual aspirant. During this spiritual journey, the aspirant has to pass three stages personified by Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Then, he or she enters into the realm of the infinite, wherein one realises one's Self. Navaratri, which literally means 'nine nights,' dedicates three days each to worshiping the Divine in the forms of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The tenth day, though, is the most important; it is known as Vijayadashami, the 'tenth day of victory.'

The reason behind the worshiping of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati lies rooted in the philosophy that the attributeless absolute can only be known through the world of attributes—the journey is from the known to the unknown.

The different stages of spiritual progress are reflected in the sequence of celebrations during Navaratri. During the first three days, Durga is worshipped. She personifies that aspect of shakti which destroys our negative tendencies. The process of trying to control our senses is akin to a war for the mind which resists all attempts at control. So the stories in the Puranas symbolically depict Devi in the form of Durga as waging war and destroying the asuras.

However, getting temporary relief from the clutches of negative tendencies does not guarantee permanent liberation from them. The seeds will remain within in latent form. Therefore, we should supplant them with positive qualities. The Bhagavad Gita refers to these qualities as daivi-sampat, literally "Divine wealth." Correspondingly, we worship Lakshmi during the next three days. Lakshmi is not just the giver of gross wealth or prosperity; She is the Mother who gives according to the needs of Her children.

Only one endowed with “divine wealth” is fit to receive the knowledge of the Supreme. Accordingly, the last three days of Navaratri are dedicated to worshiping Saraswati, the embodiment of Knowledge. She is depicted as wearing a pure-white sari, which symbolises the illumination of the Supreme Truth.

However, Navaratri is not only significant for spiritual aspirants; it has a message for those who lead a worldly life as well. They should invoke Durga's help to surmount obstacles, pray to Lakshmi to bestow peace and prosperity, and contemplate upon Saraswati in order to gain knowledge. These three ingredients are just as necessary for a full and complete worldly life. In reality, when we pray like this, we are but invoking the Shakti or Divine Mother that is within ourselves.

Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are not different entities, but different facets of the singular Divinity. Glory to the Divine Mother! Let Her take you, step by step to the top of the spiritual ladder and unite you with the Lord!

Welcome to the Navarathri Festival 2007 @ tfapenang

Dear Friends,

The festival of Nine nights,is in adoration of the divine mother, celebrated by Hindus all over the world.

The Temple of Fine Arts, Penang, humbly invites everyone to this celebration of the compassionate divine mother.

The celebration starts on 12 October 2007 and culminates on the 10th day, Vijayadasami 21 October 2007.